TV star Angela Rippon waltzes into Doncaster

Television star Angela Rippon waltzed into town to help a Doncaster nursing home celebrate its 30th birthday.

The Alzheimer’s Society ambassador paid a visit to Bennfield House Nursing Home in Thorne to celebrate the milestone and chatted with residents and staff who had made a cake to mark the anniversary.

Angela toured the home during her visit and was joined by Doncaster resident Trevor Jarvis, who lives with dementia and is also an Alzheimer’s Society ambassador.

Angela works tirelessly to support the work of Alzheimer’s Society and co-chairs the Dementia Friendly Communities Champions Group, which focuses on improving inclusion and quality of life for people living with dementia.

She said: “With an ever growing number of people living longer with dementia, it’s more important than ever that we all have a better understanding of the condition and ensure our care homes and their staff are equipped and trained in how to care for people living with the condition.”

Residents, families and staff at the home enjoyed the celebrations with afternoon tea, the annual presentation of staff awards and X Factor finalist Alan Turner who provided the entertainment.

Matron Penny Bennett said: “We are delighted Angela was able to find time in her very busy schedule to come and visit us at Bennfield House and help us celebrate this very special anniversary.

“The residents were really pleased to see her and she is so obviously dedicated to supporting people with dementia and ensuring that support and services for them continue to improve.

“We would like to thank her for her kindness in visiting us and adding some celebrity sparkle to our celebrations.”

Liz Williamson, operations manager for Alzheimer’s Society in Doncaster and Rotherham, said: “It was a pleasure to be invited to join in their celebrations.

“It is so important that communities support people living with dementia throughout their journey from diagnosis right through to a residential setting, if this is appropriate for the individual, and provide high quality dementia specific care.”